Giant Steps Applejack Vineyard Pinot Noir 2024

Product Description:
From a dramatic slope in Gladysdale comes one of Australia’s great Pinot Noirs. Applejack Vineyard was planted in 1997 by renowned viticulturist Ray Guerin on grey clay and volcanic soils at 300 metres altitude. Its elevated, east-facing position means a slower, cooler ripening season, producing fruit of piercing clarity, structure and spice.

The 2024 season brought reduced yields—around 40% less fruit than the year prior—resulting in intensity and concentration. The wine was crafted with 40% whole bunches, enhancing perfume and tannin complexity. Despite the warmer conditions, Applejack’s natural site balance has delivered a Pinot Noir of both power and poise, deeply fruited yet taut.

This vineyard has long been considered a benchmark for Yarra Valley Pinot, and the 2024 release confirms its standing. Darkly fruited, savoury and firmly structured, it’s a wine that will unfurl beautifully over the next decade.

Tasting Notes
NOSE
– Dark & brooding
Wild blackberry, raspberry and briar with a subtle sous bois note.

PALATE
– Concentrated & powerful
Intensely fruited and mouth-filling, carrying a core of dark berry fruit and spice.

FINISH
– Grippy & long
Succulent tannins taper into a firm, savoury close with great persistence.

Reviews & Accolades
“From the Applejack vineyard, planted on grey clay soils at 300m in Gladysdale in ’97 by Ray Guerin. 40% whole bunches and 40% less wine in ’24. Darkly fruited and more intense than the ’23 with aromas of wild blackberry, raspberry, briar, and just a hint of sous bois. On the palate, this is as concentrated and mouth-filling as the bouquet suggests it will be, culminating with succulent, grippy tannins on the long, tapering finish. It’s a touch more ‘sauvage’ and a little less floral than normal but, even in this warmer vintage, one of Australia’s most celebrated pinot noirs is in impressive form.” – Philip Rich, Halliday Wine Companion, 98 Points (July 2025)

Finer Details:
Style - Red Wine
Varietal - Pinot Noir
Country - Australia
Region - Yarra Valley, Victoria
Vintage - 2024
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 13.3%
Closure - Screwcap